I started this book yesterday…it’s a middle grade one...and I finished it early this morning along with a really good cup of coffee in a Christmas mug. This book was so sweet and sad and profound. It’s about a family…a Catholic family with 9 kids. The kids are not cared for very well…that’s the sad part. But the older sisters literally get a young sister to raise and care for…that’s sad yet sweet. The father works three jobs…the mother is distracted, busy, very religious and often abusive. It might not sound beautiful but the story teller in this book is the youngest child…Antoinette Elizabeth Bianchi. She is smart and dyslexic and knows how to keep secrets. I loved this book. This was a thoughtful book.
Now I think I am reading this…
From Bookish…
The kids aren’t alright
This book may be new to American readers, but it’s already a big hit in France where it won the prestigious Prix Goncourt. Author Leïla Slimani taps into a terrifying possibility: the idea that a nanny would intentionally hurt the family he or she works for. In this chilling novel, a well-off French family hires a woman named Louise to look after their children while they are at work. At first, all is well with Louise. But then, the relationship starts to go south, and it becomes terrifyingly apparent that Louise is capable of the unimaginable. This novel is upsetting, incisive, and unforgettable.
I am kind of sad today…an acquaintance said some really mean things to Den and to me. The words were hurtful and painful and took me quite by surprise. We try so hard to be gracious to everyone we meet. We are all about respect. This person may actually hate us. This person most likely does hate us. My heart is heavy knowing I am hated. I don’t think I have ever been this hated. So…I am trying to learn how to deal with this hatred. Not too many people know that we have this in our lives…most of the time I can forget about it but it’s always there. It’s the sad little seed that can be contained or let loose. Yesterday it was loosened and I have to figure out how to contain it again. I hope I can manage it.
Hugs,
Patty
Books, Thoughts and Adventures 
Patty,
I wish people would just not say anything, if they don’t have anything good to say. It is not you or Den it is them. I has a similar situation happen recently. A family member said things about my deceased father(he died 15 years ago) that really upset me and it took me a couple weeks to deal with it.
Love,
Barbara
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Thank you, Barbara…I am sorry you had to go through that…
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I love the sound of both books, even though I don’t often read Middle Grade. The child narrator could be captivating.
Wow! Who could hate you, Patty? I find the whole thing incredible…but all I can say about that is…the hatred is about that person and not you. The person must be so mean-spirited and lacking in any kind of human warmth. You can definitely dismiss that person…give him or her no more power! Focus on your lovely books, Den, kitties…and your Christmas decorating.
Sending hugs!
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I am trying Rain…I don’t often let that person in but this was one of those chance encounters that didn’t turn out well.
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What Laurel-Rain Snow said ^ : who could hate you, Patty? I’m so sorry that you have this grief in your life.
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Thank you so much.
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The book sounds amazing – sad but hopeful all in one. Ah those people, spewing out stuff that is hateful. I know it hurts, obviously that’s what lives in their souls, they feed it. Don’t you feed it just cause they aimed it at you. It belongs to them not you.
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Thank you so much, Kathryn.
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I can’t imagine why anyone would hate you and Den. My motto is always: face hate with love. But still, wow. Sorry you’re even having to think about this!
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Thanks, Mary…I have been upset all day but I am slowly coming out of it.
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Snow Lane sounds really good and so does The Perfect Nanny.
I can’t imagine why someone felt the need to speak to y’all that way. I’m guessing she’s jealous of you.
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I wish it was that but this person truly hates us both.
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Both books sound good.
I don’t know why some people are so cruel and hateful with their words. Even though it was aimed at you and Den, it’s not really about you. It’s about insecurities that the person who said the hurtful things feels about themself. Sorry you were subjected to that.
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Thank you, Vicki! Thank you so much!
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